Still Kickin’ It
UK | ALT ROCK
Though their name may mislead you into thinking that these gentlemen haven’t been around very long, that is hardly the case. Foals have been rocking on albums and tours for well over a decade now, so if you love alternative or indie rock and haven’t heard of them before, I would be shocked. But, I guess it goes without saying that since I love their music so much, I HAD to feature them on here, just in case there were some of you outliers wandering about.
I first heard (and saw) Foals while watching Later With Jools Holland, a British TV program that showcases musical talent from around the world. What caught my ear first was their use of offbeat percussion, killer bass lines and pretty cool guitar parts, not too far off from elements found in Two Door Door Cinema Club and Bloc Party’s music. It was only after I pulled away from the actual instrumentation that I really appreciated Yannis’ vocal qualities. Not quite yelling, but passion behind the lyrics he‘s singing. That’s the best way I can describe it.
Based out of Oxford, England, the five member group consists of lead singer and guitarist Yannis Philippakis, Jack Bevan the amazing drummer, Jimmy Smith on guitar and backing vocals, Walter Gervers on bass and background vocals, and Edwin Congreave on synths and keys with some BGVs.
I had the pleasure of seeing these guys perform live last year in Milwaukee when they accompanied the American band Silversun Pickups. It was a high-energy show from start to finish, nothing short of amazing. I stood in the crowd, a few rows from the stage, watching them in awe due to their phenomenal musicianship. I mean, each one of these guys is so incredible at what they do, you can’t help but just stand there, almost shaking your head in disbelief as you watch them perform song after song. During the show, they are short on words, but heavy on music, retaining their sole purpose for the stage and that didn’t bother me one bit.
Holy Fire, my favorite out of their 4 full length albums to date, starts out with a chill instrumental prelude that transitions into a groovy track called Inhaler, which features the lead singer practically yelling during the chorus (but not in an obnoxious way). He just gets down and dirty enough vocally to make you want to yell out lyrics along with him (totally guilty of that in my car when this song comes on, by the way). My Number is the third track on this 2013 record and it is my absolute favorite song of their’s. The layered guitar parts during the chorus show my eardrums some real love, not to mention those fun background vocal “Ooo’s” during the prechorus.
What Went Down is their most recent album and does not disappoint if you wanted to start listening to what is most current. That album was released in 2015 and these guys have been touring tirelessly over the last two years, playing some of the biggest music festivals in the world, along with regular gigs like the one I went to last May. After they take a break from touring, I am sure we will not hear the last of them, as they are well overdue for a vacation. They have stated that writing new records for them happens when they become bored and complacent, off of tours, so only time will tell what type of album they have in store next! Stay tuned, listeners.
Oh, and did I mention that the show ended with the lead singer body surfing with his guitar? Because it did.
For more Foals:
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Two Door Cinema Club
Everything Everything
Video taken by Giselle Diaz (@gurugigi13)
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